Ascension of Yin (六阴朝阳)

Ascension of Yin (六阴朝阳) is one of the most intricate and enigmatic hidden patterns within the special configurations of Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny). The term "Six Yin" specifically refers to the six days ruled by Xin (辛, Yin Metal), while "Ascension to the Sun" is a metaphor describing how Xin Metal, in secret, seeks and invites its Executive (Direct Officer) star—Bing (丙, Yang Fire). This pattern is triggered by a precise combination of day and hour, and through a series of subtle, remote interactions, it activates a virtual Executive star even when no such star is overtly present in the chart. As the Treatise on Favor and Aversion (《喜忌篇》) states: “On a Six Xin day, if the hour is Wu Zi, avoid Wu positions; favorable fortune comes from the West.”

How to Identify

This pattern is established when the Day Pillar is Xin You, Xin Chou, or Xin Hai, and the Hour Pillar is Wu Zi. The Four Pillars must not reveal any Executive or Warlord (Direct Officer or Seven Killings, i.e., Fire), nor any disruptive or entangling elements (Wu, Chou). The pattern relies on the Wu Zi hour to secretly activate the hidden Bing (丙) Executive star within the Si (巳) branch.

The criteria are as follows:

• Day and Hour Restriction: The Day Pillar must be one of Xin You, Xin Chou, or Xin Hai (three of the Six Xin days), and the Hour Pillar must be Wu Zi. (Xin Si, Xin Mao, and Xin Wei are excluded because they inherently carry Executive/Warlord or have penalizing clashes.)
• No Executive or Warlord Revealed: The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches of all Four Pillars must not contain Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), or Wu (午). If these appear, the Executive/Warlord is "filled," breaking the pattern.
• No Branch Clashes: The Earthly Branches must not include Wu (午) Fire. Zi (子) and Wu (午) are in direct opposition, which would destroy the foundational Zi (子) Water of the pattern.
• No Branch Entanglement: The Earthly Branches must not include Chou (丑) Earth. Zi (子) and Chou (丑) combine, which would bind the Zi (子) Water, causing it to "forget its purpose" and lose its power to activate the pattern.
• Only One Zi (子): There should be only one Zi (子) Water in the chart (specifically, the Hour Branch). If Zi (子) appears again, the energy is dispersed and the pattern collapses.

Meaning of the Pattern

Those whose charts enter the Ascension of Yin (六阴朝阳) pattern are characterized by lofty morals, refined nobility, and a reputation for integrity. They value honor and virtue above material wealth. The path to distinction in this pattern is exceptionally subtle and circuitous, symbolizing a person of deep strategy who achieves success through unconventional means. Their noble qualities often manifest in academic, artistic, or esteemed professional fields—what is known as "pure nobility." When the pattern is pure, the individual may rise to high office and be respected as a court official. The drawback is that this pattern pursues utmost purity, often at the expense of worldly harmony; classical texts note it can be "harmful to spouse and children." In modern Bazi analysis, some consider the theory overly convoluted, suggesting that the root of wealth and status may actually stem from other orthodox patterns such as the "Follow the Prosperous," or "A Crystalline Mind," rather than the mechanics of Ascension of Yin itself.

Favorable and Unfavorable Factors

• Favorable:

  1. Western Metal Luck: The most auspicious luck cycle is in the West (Shen, You)—Metal luck. Metal represents Peer (Friend) and Rival (Rob Wealth) for Xin Metal, strengthening the Day Master and enhancing their capacity for noble distinction.
  2. Northeast Luck: Luck cycles in the Northeast (Water, Earth) bring Talent (Eating God), Maverick (Hurting Officer), and Mentor (Direct Resource), which also support the pattern and are considered the next best option.
  3. Pattern Purity: The absence of any of the aforementioned taboos in the natal chart is the primary requirement for forming the pattern and determines its level.

• Unfavorable:

  1. Southern Fire Luck: This is the greatest taboo for the pattern. Luck cycles in the South (Si, Wu)—Fire luck—cause the Executive/Warlord to be "filled," directly undermining the hidden invitation and destroying the pattern, leading to major misfortune.
  2. Executive/Warlord Revealed: If Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), or Wu (午) appear in the natal chart or during luck cycles, the "Ascension to the Sun" mechanism is no longer needed, and the pattern is immediately broken.
  3. Chou (丑) and Wu (午) Disruption: If Chou (丑) Earth binds or Wu (午) Fire clashes with the pivotal Zi (子) Water in the natal chart or during luck cycles, the pattern is broken, leading to missed opportunities and diminished nobility.

Classical Texts

From "San Ming Tong Hui" (《三命通会》)

《喜忌篇》云：“六辛日时逢戊子，嫌午位，运喜西方。”此格六辛日为主，辛以丙为官星，以癸为寿星，喜戊子时，以戊合癸，子乃辛之生地，戊禄在巳，戊来印辛；戊乃丙之子，丙见戊印辛，丙却生戊，合辛为贵，辛日得官星也。柱中只宜子字一位，多则不中，怕午冲丑绊，则阴不能朝阳，丙巳填实，运行西方金旺之地，故喜。故喜。东北财伤次之，南方死绝则忌。此格只宜生申辰亥卯未酉月，若生四季，以印绶论。丙午、丙寅、丙戌月以财官论，甲寅、乙卯月只以财论。月令为主，行运不拘南北，身旺为妙。若成此格，多名胜于财，为人高亢，伤妻害子，如犯上忌，贫薄。

又曰：“午一阴生，至亥六阴毕。”辛金坐亥，或生亥月，乃为六阴之地。”时得子时，取子中一阳生，乃阴还阳，故名辛未。辛酉亦是。余三日则非是。金水涵秀为贵。或云：“辛乃阴金，丙乃阳火，以辛向丙，非朝阳而何。六阴云者，犹言六辛日也”。亦通。《继善篇》云：“阴若朝阳，切忌丙丁离位。”《景鉴》云：“朝阳喜忌，怕丙丁而嫌离位，忌丑字运喜西方。若填实，三场难进。见丙丁位，立案功名。不然则输粟济众，或者是主办公文。”又云：“四季秋生无亥字，荣华富贵业尤奇。”《举善篇》云：“朝阳生于季月，可称印绶。”《真宝赋》云：“六阴朝阳带印，清朝之士。”《秘诀》云：“辛日子时，忌行火地，西北行来则吉，东南一去忧凶。”

古歌云：“辛逢戊子号朝阳，运喜西方禄位昌。丑午丙丁无出现，腰金衣紫入朝堂。” 又：“南地平平最嫌北，西方第一次东方。若还子字无相遇，贵处朝堂群名香。” 又：“辛日生时逢戊子，戊来动丙作辛官。六阴金合朝阳格，富贵兹基是不难。子宫只宜得一位，若多一子福还悭。丙丁巳午俱无迹，运向西方入贵班。” 又：“六阴行运喜西方，临到东方也吉昌。最怕北方多不吉，南离冲破主灾殃。” 又：“朝阳贵格六辛金，戊子居时福转深。子隐贵渊成会合，戊来动丙得官神。丙丁明现诚为忌，巳午重逢亦可憎。运历西方为第一，如转南离祸必临。” 《鹧鸪天》：戊子时逢日六辛，朝阳合丙动官星。庚辛甲乙相连喜，紫绶金章作宰臣。 寅卯贵，丙丁贫，南方不利有伤身，中和禀得无偏倚，稳坐朝堂治万民。

Explanation:

The Treatise on Favor and Aversion states: “On any of the six Xin days, if the hour is Wu Zi, avoid Wu positions; favorable fortune comes from the West.” This pattern is based on the six Xin days. Xin Metal takes Bing (丙) Fire as its Executive (Direct Officer), and Gui (癸) Water as its Talent (Eating God, also called Longevity Star). The Wu Zi hour is favored because Wu (戊) can combine with Gui (癸). Zi (子) is the Birth (长生) place of Xin Metal, Wu (戊) finds its Flourish (禄) in Si (巳), and Wu (戊) acts as the Mentor (Direct Resource) to support Xin Metal. Wu (戊) is the child (Talent) of Bing (丙) Fire; when Bing (丙) encounters Wu (戊), it nourishes Xin Metal, and Bing (丙) in turn generates Wu (戊), which then combines with Xin Metal to form a noble pattern—thus, on Xin days, the Executive star is obtained. Only one Zi (子) should be present in the Four Pillars; more than one disqualifies the pattern. The presence of Wu (午) or Chou (丑) is feared, as they disrupt the Yin’s ascension to the Sun. Bing (丙) or Si (巳) filling the chart is also undesirable. Favorable luck cycles are those in the West, where Metal is strong. Northeast (Wealth, Talent) is the next best; Southern cycles (death and extinction) are to be avoided. This pattern is best for those born in Shen, Chen, Hai, Mao, Wei, or You months. For those born in the Four Seasons months (Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei), it is treated as a Mentor Pattern. In Bing Wu, Bing Yin, or Bing Xu months, it is considered an Earner-Executive (Wealth-Executive) pattern; in Jia Yin or Yi Mao months, only the Earner (Wealth) pattern applies. The Month Branch is the primary determinant, and luck cycles are not strictly limited by direction—so long as the Day Master is strong, it is ideal. If the pattern is truly formed, reputation exceeds wealth, and the person is proud and upright, though it may be detrimental to spouse and children. Violating the taboos above leads to poverty and lack of fortune.

Another interpretation says: “From Wu (午) palace, one Yin is born; by Hai (亥), all six Yin are complete.” If Xin Metal sits on Hai (亥) or is born in Hai month, it is in the land of Six Yin. With the hour as Zi (子), this represents the birth of one Yang within Zi (子), symbolizing the return of Yin to Yang. Xin Wei and Xin You days can also be considered, but the other three Xin days do not qualify. The nobility comes from the nurturing of Metal and Water. Alternatively, “Xin is Yin Metal, Bing is Yang Fire; when Yin Metal faces Yang Fire, what else could this be but Ascension to the Sun? The Six Yin refers to the six Xin days.” This interpretation is also accepted. The Jishan Chapter says: “If Yin ascends to the Sun, avoid Bing and Ding in the Li (South) position.” The Jingjian says: “The likes and dislikes of Ascension to the Sun: fear Bing and Ding, dislike Li (Wu), avoid Chou; luck from the West is favored. If filled, one cannot pass the three imperial exams. If Bing and Ding appear, one may still gain official rank, or else achieve merit through charity or administrative work.” It also says: “Born in the Four Seasons or Autumn without Hai, the career is especially distinguished.” The Jushan Chapter says: “If Ascension to the Sun occurs in the Four Seasons months, it is considered a Mentor Pattern.” The Zhenbao Fu says: “Ascension of Yin with Mentor star marks a noble scholar.” The Secret Formula says: “On a Xin day with Zi hour, avoid Fire luck cycles; heading northwest is auspicious, southeast brings worry and misfortune.”

Ancient verses sing: “When Xin day meets Wu Zi hour, it is called Ascension to the Sun; luck from the West brings prosperity and rank. If Chou, Wu, Bing, and Ding do not appear, one enters the court adorned in gold and purple.” Another verse: “Southern luck is mediocre, northern is most disliked; Western is best, Eastern next. If the chart lacks Zi, one’s fame will still be fragrant in the noble court.” Another: “On Xin day with Wu Zi hour, Wu activates Bing as Xin’s Executive. Six Yin Metal forms the Ascension to the Sun pattern; the foundation for wealth and nobility is easily set. Only one Zi should be present; if there are more, fortune is diminished. If Bing, Ding, Si, or Wu are absent, luck in the West brings entry to the ranks of the noble.” Another: “Ascension of Yin pattern favors Western luck; Eastern is also auspicious. Northern is most feared, Southern Li (Wu) brings disaster.” Another: “Ascension to the Sun, the noble pattern of Six Xin Metal; born at Wu Zi hour, fortune deepens. Zi Water in the hidden noble abyss forms the union; Wu activates Bing to obtain the Executive star. Bing and Ding revealed are taboo, repeated Si and Wu are also detested. Western luck is best; if it turns South, disaster will surely come.”

The lyrics of "Zhe Gu Tian" say: “On Wu Zi hour during any of the Six Xin days, Ascension to the Sun unites with Bing Fire, activating the Executive star. Geng, Xin, Jia, and Yi in the Heavenly Stems are auspicious, bringing purple robes and golden seals to high ministers. Luck in Yin and Mao (East) brings nobility; Bing and Ding (South) bring poverty. Southern luck is unfavorable and brings harm. If the chart is balanced and unbiased, one may sit securely in court and govern the people.”

FAQ

What is the Ascension of Yin pattern in Bazi

The Ascension of Yin (六阴朝阳) is a rare and intricate hidden pattern found in Bazi, or Four Pillars of Destiny astrology. It specifically involves the Six Xin days, focusing on the secret activation of the Bing (丙, Yang Fire) Executive star by Xin (辛, Yin Metal) when no such star appears openly in the birth chart. This pattern is activated by precise combinations of the Day and Hour Pillars, and is associated with noble character, refined integrity, and subtle achievement. Bazi practitioners consider it a sign of "pure nobility," although its practical influence is subject to interpretation within modern Chinese metaphysics.

How to identify the Ascension of Yin pattern in a Bazi chart

To identify the Ascension of Yin pattern in a Bazi chart, check if the Day Pillar is Xin You, Xin Chou, or Xin Hai, and the Hour Pillar is Wu Zi. Ensure none of the Four Pillars reveal Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), or Wu (午), and that there are no Wu (午) or Chou (丑) branches present. The chart should contain only one Zi (子) Water, specifically in the Hour Branch, to maintain the pattern’s integrity. This careful analysis ensures the hidden Executive star is activated, revealing the presence of the Ascension of Yin configuration.

Why is pattern purity important for Ascension of Yin in Bazi

Pattern purity is crucial for Ascension of Yin in Bazi because any disruption—such as the appearance of Fire elements, Wu (午), or Chou (丑)—breaks the delicate balance needed for the hidden Executive star to manifest. Maintaining purity ensures the pattern’s full benefits, including noble character and potential for high status. Impurities scatter or bind the vital energies, causing the pattern to collapse and diminishing the individual’s prospects for distinction as described in classical texts.

What does the Ascension of Yin pattern mean for personal destiny

The Ascension of Yin pattern in a Bazi chart suggests a destiny marked by moral integrity, noble reputation, and subtle achievement, often through intellectual or artistic pursuits. People with this configuration typically value honor over material success and may rise to respected positions if the pattern remains pure. However, it can also signify challenges in personal relationships, as the pursuit of idealism may come at the expense of family harmony, according to traditional Bazi interpretations.

When is Western Metal luck favorable for the Ascension of Yin pattern

Western Metal luck, represented by the Shen and You branches, is most favorable for the Ascension of Yin pattern in Bazi. These luck cycles strengthen Xin Metal, the Day Master, and enhance the pattern’s noble qualities by providing support from Peer and Rival stars. Entering a Western Metal luck phase boosts a person’s capacity for distinction and helps preserve the pattern’s purity, making it the most auspicious direction for individuals with this hidden configuration.